Antoine Semenyo has revealed a secret plea that helped set the stage for this weekend's Premier League title showdown. The Manchester City forward disclosed he personally reached out to his former Bournemouth teammates ahead of their clash with Arsenal last week, asking for a crucial favor in the title race.

That request was spectacularly answered as Bournemouth stunned the league leaders with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. "I spoke to the guys the night before," Semenyo admitted on the All Out Football podcast. "I just said, 'Oh, do us a favour'. That was the only reason why I was watching."

That result, combined with City's own win at Chelsea, has dramatically tightened the title race. Pep Guardiola's side now sit just six points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, transforming Sunday's direct clash at the Etihad Stadium into a potential title-decider.

Semenyo, who joined City in January, is now in line to start against the Gunners as he vies for his first Premier League crown. The Ghana international has quickly become a key figure, causing havoc on the right wing and contributing eight goals and three assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.

His dynamic performance in the recent win at Stamford Bridge is expected to earn him another starting berth alongside Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku. City will be looking to secure a fourth consecutive victory against top-tier opposition, having already beaten Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final and Liverpool in the FA Cup this season.

With the title race reaching its boiling point, Semenyo's behind-the-scenes lobbying has already paid one dividend. Now, the focus shifts to the Etihad, where City can take control of their own destiny and move within three points of the summit with a win.